"Britney" is the third studio album by American singer Britney Spears, released on October 31, 2001, by Jive Records. Looking to transition from the teen pop styles of her first two albums, Spears embraced a more mature sound with Britney. The record incorporates pop and R&B, with influences of EDM and occasional elements of disco, hip hop, rock, and electronica. Its lyrical themes address coming of age, adulthood, control, and sexuality. Spears took a more active role in the album's development, co-writing six tracks.
The album received generally mixed reviews from critics, who acknowledged Spears' musical growth while critiquing her provocative image. Despite this, Britney was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 746,000 copies, making Spears the first female artist to have her first three albums debut atop the chart. The album was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards and sold over 10 million copies worldwide, marking it as one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
Britney produced six singles, including "I'm a Slave 4 U," which reached the top ten in 20 countries but peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Other singles like "Overprotected" and "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" had international success but did not chart well in the US. To promote the album, Spears embarked on her fourth concert tour, the Dream Within a Dream Tour, from November 2001 to July 2002.
Spears described her songwriting experience as special, noting that she took her time with the album. She worked with familiar producers like Rodney Jerkins, Rami Yacoub, and Max Martin, while also collaborating with her then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake and hip hop producers the Neptunes. Spears aimed to create a sound that appealed to an older audience and felt that self-titling the album reflected its personal nature. She recorded 23 tracks, several co-written with Brian Kierulf and Josh Schwartz.
Musically, Britney is a blend of pop and R&B with dance influences. It opens with "I'm a Slave 4 U," characterized by urban and Middle Eastern influences. Other tracks like "Overprotected" and "Lonely" explore themes of manipulation and emotional struggles. The album also features a cover of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," reflecting pop rock styles. Closing tracks like "What It's Like to Be Me," co-written with Timberlake, highlight Spears' desire for understanding in a relationship.
